Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score

Non-contrast cardiac CT to quantify coronary artery calcification using the Agatston scoring method. One of the most validated non-invasive predictors of future cardiovascular events. A score of zero is highly reassuring and may spare patients unnecessary statin therapy; elevated scores guide preventive treatment decisions. No contrast injection required. Performed at Radiologie am Turm by a team with deep expertise in cardiac and thoracic imaging. Results discussed in person with the radiologist.

The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a brief non-contrast cardiac CT examination that quantifies the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries and converts this into an Agatston score — one of the most extensively validated predictors of future heart attack risk in asymptomatic individuals. At Radiologie am Turm, the examination is performed on the practice's dedicated low-dose CT scanner. ECG gating synchronises image acquisition with the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle, minimising motion artefact in the coronary vessels. No contrast injection is required, there is no arterial access, and the scan itself takes only a few seconds — total appointment time including preparation and radiologist consultation is typically 30 to 40 minutes. The Agatston score is calculated by summing the weighted calcium density multiplied by area for each calcified plaque in the four major coronary arteries. The result is compared against age- and sex-matched population percentiles to identify individuals who are in the high-risk range relative to their demographic. Landmark evidence supports the following clinical framework: - **Score of 0**: Very low near-term cardiac event risk. Evidence from multiple large cohort studies (including the MESA study, >6,000 participants) shows that individuals with a score of zero have a 10-year major adverse cardiovascular event rate below 1%, even when traditional risk factors suggest intermediate risk. Statin therapy confers no measurable benefit in this group. - **Score 1–99**: Mildly elevated risk. Annual follow-up and lifestyle modification recommended; statin benefit is modest but may be appropriate depending on overall risk profile. - **Score 100–399**: Moderate calcification. Statin therapy plus aspirin generally recommended; referral for cardiology review appropriate for borderline cases. - **Score ≥400**: Heavy calcification and high short-term cardiac event risk. Statin intensification, antiplatelet therapy, and cardiac specialist review are the standard response. Prof. Dr. Jacobi's background in thoracic imaging gives the practice depth in interpreting incidental pulmonary and mediastinal findings that may appear on the same acquisition. Results are reviewed in person with the patient during a dedicated consultation after the scan. A GOÄ-based cost estimate is provided at booking.